How can nurses effectively promote patient mobility?

Promoting patient mobility is vital to enhancing recovery, preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis, and maintaining overall health. Encouraging regular physical activity and assisting with ambulation is important because it directly helps patients regain strength, improve cardiovascular function, and enhance their range of motion. Nurses play a critical role in providing support and motivation for patients to engage in physical activity, whether it's walking, performing basic exercises, or participating in rehabilitation activities.

Assistance with ambulation not only ensures safety but also fosters a sense of independence and confidence in patients. This holistic approach to mobility considers individual patient capabilities, promotes gradual improvements, and can lead to better outcomes in their recovery process.

The other choices do not effectively support patient mobility. Recommending bed rest for all patients could lead to deconditioning and increased risks of complications. Providing wheelchairs to all patients does not encourage active participation in their own mobilization and may lead to dependency. Allowing movement only during therapy sessions restricts the opportunities for physical activity, reducing potential benefits.